Valve control



June 25, 1940- c. D. ANDERsoN, JR 2,205,512

VALVE CONTROL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented June 25, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE y' VALVEV CONTROL v Claude D. Anderson, Jr., Memphis, Tenn. Application April 18, 1938, Serial No. 202,665

14 Claims.

The present invention relates to the automatic control of valves, such as those used to control the flow of fuel to a burner as for instance, a gas valve.

5 It particularly relates to valve controls, which accomplish a plurality of open positions of the valvewhich range from full flow opening to partial ilow opening. y

, In order to obtain close temperature control,

it has been found desirable to move a fuel control valve to a selected one of a plurality of con.

trol positions instead of `moving such a valve from completely closed position `to completely p opened position only. The average burner, however, while capable of properly burning a relatively smallsupply of fuel after such fuel has been initially ignited, requires a much larger flow of fuel for proper ignition. This is particularly true of gas burners wherein, if the initial supply of fuel Ais too small, the flame will pop'back and the gas will burn in the mixer. In order to overcome thisdiiiiculty in installations where apilot light is used, and stillmake it possible` to vary the supply of fuelto a burner, it has heretofore been proposed and attempted to arrange the control system in such manner that upon an initial demand for a relatively small'amount of fuel, the valve mechanism is opened widely for a short period, to furnish a suiiciently large supply of fuel for proper ignition, and is then partially closed to supply a smalleramount of fuel which is more nearly in accordance with thedemand.v

In this manner, upon a demand for a small amount of fuel which is sufficiently largeto burn properly after having been ignited, but is insufficient for the establishment of proper ignition, a v

large supply of fuel capable vof being properly ignited is initially .provided and this supply is then automatically reduced to correspondto the demand.`

The objects of my invention are: To provide, in connection with a valve for controlling thc ow of fuel gas from a source of supply to a burner, means responsive to a drop in temperature to` a predetermined point for open lduring a limited period and thereafter parl tially close same, andmeans vto determine'desired partial closure points;

To provide` means having a continuous vmovement for opening and thereafter partially closing 6 a valve, means for stopping said movement at a desired position of valve opening; and

To provide a device of this character which is positive in action and simple in construction.

The means by which the foregoing and other 10 objects are accomplished and the method of their accomplishment will readily be understood from the following specifications on reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

. Fig. 1 is a front elevation With cover parts 15 broken away and the valve shown in section, and with a diagrammatic lay-out for the wiring and related temperature controlmeans.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation with the cover broken away.

Referring rnow-to the drawings in which vthe various parts are indicated by numerals:

I0 is a valve for controlling flow of gas from a suitable source of supply to a burner or burners.y The supply source and the burners are not a part 25 of the present invention, and are therefore not shown.A Thevalve I0 has a seat Il and a disc I2 adapted to be raised to establish flow. I3 is a valve stem which extends through a suitable stuing box I4 and is connected through a brack- 80 et link I5 andpin I6 to a connecting rod' I'I. I8 is a crank pin which is carried by a gear I9 which servesas a crank disc or arm. The gear I9 turns on an axle shaft 20 which projects from a frame y member or platel 2l. In the operation of the 85 mechanisma one-half turn of the gear I9 only Yis employed. The gear I9 meshes with a pinion 25 forming part of a gear trainthrough which the gearI`9 is ,driven` at greatly reduced speed by a motor 26.

The plate 2 I has mounted thereon magnets 36, 3| with which magnets are associated members. 32, 33,*respectively, which have shoulders or stops 34, 35, respectively. Preferably the magnet 30 is xedly mountedbn `the plate 2| and the magnet 45 3I is adjustably mounted to provide a positioning adjustment, this adjustment being accomplished through a pair of clamping screws 36 which project from `the plate Y2| and are disposed through slots 31 in ears38. l 39 is a bracket, suitably se- 50 cured tothe plate 2|,this bracket having an integral arm 40 which projects over the face of the gear I9 and carries an adjustable stop screw 4I.

45 is an armature of suitable magnetic metal` hingedly secured as by a pin 46 to the gear I9'. `55

41 is a tension spring retracting the armature 45 against a stop pin 43. The armature 45 when moved by the gear I9 into the magnetic field of action of either of the magnets 30 or 3 l, is on energization of such magnet drawn outward into the path of the corresponding shoulder 34, or 35, and thereby stops movement of the gear. 43 is a stop secured to the gear I!! and moving therewith against the stop screw 4I to stop the gear, where previous stoppage, by one or the other magnet stop, has not been eiected.

50 is a spring having one end 5I engaging a pin 52 projecting from the gear I9 and its opposite end 53 engaging a pin 34 which projects from the plate 2i, movement of the gear I9 being resisted by this spring, and return movement of the gear accomplished when the gearis released, such return movement of the gear, moving the crank pin i8 to initial position and closing vthe valve disc against its seat, and also through the gear train reversely rotating the motor.

Iii? is a power circuit, 6I a transformer through which reduction from line voltage to a lower operating voltage is accomplished, and G2 a transformer-coupled power circuit. One leg 63 of this latter circuit leads through the motor 26 and a lead 2l to a contact point 28. 29 is a second contact point from which a lead 3l] extends to a switch bar 3|, this switch bar being shiftable, manually or otherwise, to any one of three poles 32, 33 or 34, in the present view, the switch bar being shown in contact with the pole 32. From the pole 32, a lead 35 extends to the magnet 30 and from this magnet a lead 36, 3'I, and 38 completes an open circuit. From the pole 33 a lead 43 extends to the magnet 3| and from this magnet a lead 4I extends to a connection with the lead 3l and through this lead and the lead 38 completes a second open circuit. From the pole a lead 42 connects to the lead 38 and completes a third open circuit.

43 and 44 are resilient contact bars electrically connected and adapted to seat against the contacts 28 and 29 and close any selected one of these circuits. The contact bars 43, 44 are controlled by a thermostat 45 of well known type and are closed by response of this thermostat to a drop in temperature to some chosen degree.

It will be understood that the double contact illustrated is what is known as a delayed cut-od type, but the action of the thermostat and the question of delayed or other type of cut-off having no particular connection with the present invention need not here be detailed.

The switch bar 3l is manually shiftable to any of the three poles 32, 33 or 34 and is shifted to adjust the operation of the device to outside temperatures, the switch bar being shifted, as shown, to the contact 32 when the outside temperature is low, or shifted to the pole 33 when the temperature is somewhat more moderate, and to the pole 34 when the temperature is higher.

In using the device, if the temperature outside is extremely low, switch bar 3l is shifted to the pole 32 as shown, thus establishing the motor circuit through the magnet 30 from the power line 6I). If the temperature to which the thermostat is .responsive drops to some predetermined point, as around 70 degrees, the contact bars 43 and 44 are closed against the contacts 28 and 29, and the previously open circuit to the motor 23 thereby closed, putting the motor in operation, and through the train of gearing and the pinion 25, turning the gear I9 clockwise, as seen in Fig. l. Turning movement of the gear continues until the armature 45 approaches the position 45A and is drawn out by action lof the energized magnet 36, into position to engage the stop 34, stop the movement of the gear, and stall the motor. As the gear moves from initial position toward this stop the crank pin I8 moves to the position IBA, raising the valve disc I2. movement the disc I2 is sufficiently raised to give an opening between the disc and valve seat I I, equivalent to the area of the opening through the valve seat, or in other words, the valve is opened to its maximum capacity, permitting the burner or burners fed by such valve to burn at such maximum capacity until such time as the thermostat 45, responsive to temperature increase, breaks the circuit through the contacts 28, 29 and cuts oi current flow both to the magnet and the motor. With current iiow to the motor cut off the spring 5I] reversely shifts the gear I3 and closes the valve disc I2 against the seat II. In this reverse movement the gear, through pinion 25, and train of gearing, reversely turns the motor.

If a more moderate weather temperature exists, the switch bar 3I is shifted to the contact 33, thus establishing the motor circuit through the magnet 3l, which circuit is closed on response of the thermostat, to a temperature drop as before. The motor so energized turns the gear I9 until the armature 45 reaches the dotted position 45B, is drawn out by action of the magnet 3|, and stopped by the stop 35, During this movement the crank pin I8 moves through the position I 8A, fully opening the valve, and holds this valve fully open until it reaches the position IBB, after which it slowly closes the valve until it reaches and is stopped at the position IBC. In this` manner a full flow of gas is established through the valve I0 obviating any chance that the pilot light will not ignite the gas. The valve is held open for a sufficient time to absolutely insure ignition and thereafter is partially closed to reduce the intensity of the burner name. Again the valve is held in such opened position until the thermostat, in response to rising temperature, breaks the circuit and cuts off current flow to the motor allowing the spring 50, as before, to reversely turn the gear and close the valve, and, as before, reversely turning the motor.

If the weather temperature is still higher the switch bar 3I may be shifted to the pole 3l! and the third circuit established, vwhich ley-passes both magnets. Closure of this circuit by the thermostat, starts the motor, and, as before, turns the gear, opening the valve, holding it open and then slowly closing it until the stop 49 reaches the position 49A and the crank pin I8 reaches the position ISD, subsequent actions being identical with. those before described.

It will be understood that the screw 4I may be adjusted to very delicately regulate the last positioning IBD of the pin I8, and also that the magnet 3I may be shifted by loosening the screws 36 to adjust the positioning of this magnet and of the cut-off point IBC.

I claim:

l. Valve control means, including electrically By such operable means for opening said valve, said' closed position, means for stopping said'valve in Asubstantially full open position, means adapted for stopping said valve in a progressive position of partial closure, and means cooperating with said electrical means, for selectively rendering said stop means effective.

2. Valve control means, including electrically operable means for opening said valve said means progressively continuing movement of said valve through lfull open and toward closing; means urging retrogressive movement of said operable means, said retrogressive urging means acting through said roperable means to accomplish 'retrogressive movement of said valve to closed position; means for stopping said valve in substantially full open position, means adapted for stopping said valve in a progressive position of partial closure, and an additional means for limiting progressive movement toward closure,A

and means cooperating with said electrical means, for selectively rendering said stop means eiective.

3. Valve control means, including electrically actuatable means for opening said valve and progressively continuing movement of said valve through full open and toward closing position, means resiliently urging return movement of said actuating means, said resilient means functioning through said actuating means to retrogressively return said valve toclosed position, elecy for limiting said reduction of opening; electrically actuatable means for moving said member along` said path, a normally open power circuit leading to said electrical means; electrically energizable means, each for stopping said member at a predetermined point in its movement, selective means for shunting said circuit through a desired one of said electrically energizable means; resilient means for. retrogressively turning said member and valve to closed position, on cessation of current ow; and temperature controlled means for closing and opening said circuits.

5. A device of the character described including a valve, a member movable along va continuous predetermined path, and actuatably coupled to said valve to progressively, fully open, hold open and reduce the opening of said valve; electrically actuatable means for moving said member along said path, a normally open power circuit leading to said electrical means; electrically energizable means, each for stopping said member at a predetermined point in its movement, selective means for shunting said circuit through a desired one of said electrically energizable means; resilient means for retrogressively turning said member and valve to closed position, on cessation of current flow, and temperature controlled means for closing and opening said circuits.

6. A device of the character described including a valve, a rotatable member actuatably coupled to said valve to progressively, fully open,

rent flow; andmeans forYclosing' and opening said circuits.

7. A device o'f thecharacter describedlincluding a valve, a rotatable member actuatably coupled to Said valve to progressively, fully'open, hold open and reduce the opening of said valve, means for limiting said reduction of opening;` electrically actuatable means for turning said member, va normally open povver circuit leading to rsaid electrical means; electrically energizable means, each for stopping said member at a pre-A determined point in itsrotation, selective means for shunting said circuit through a desiredone of said electrically energizable means; resilient means for vretrogressively turning said member and valve to closed position on cessation of'cur'- rent flow; and means. for closing and opening said circuits. v 'l y' f' 8. Adevice of the character describedvincluding a valve, a crank disc rotatably jmounted, "a crank pin projecting from said disc, a connecting rod operably connecting said pin and said valve, a spring acting on said disc, and through said pinand rod to hold said valve in closed position, lankelectric motor, a trainI of speed reduction gearing actuatably coupling saidv motor and disc to turn said disc against said spring action,

and 'progressively open and reduce opening 4of said valve, a stop limiting progress vof said `discl at a predetermined reduction of said valve opening; a plurality of stop means each' at a predetermined intermediate position of movement of said disc, said stop means each having an asso` ciated electrically energizable means for renderingit effective; a normally lopen -powercircuit leading to said motor, means for shunting said circuit through a selected one of said energizable means, and temperaturelcontro'lled means for closing and opening'saidcircuit. v

9.` A device of the character described includinga valve, a rotatably mounted .crank means including a crank pin, a connecting rod operably Vconnecting said pin and saidvalve, a spring acting onsaid crank 'means andthrough said rod to hold said valve in closedposition; an electric motor, ,a train of speed reduction gearing cou- Y pling v'said motor vand crank means to turn' said means against said spring action, `and progressively open and reduce opening of saidvalve, a stop limiting progress of said ymeans -at a prede'- termined reduction of said valve opening; a plurality 'of stop means at predeterminedintermediate positions of movement of said crank means,

otr

said s'topmeans each having, an associated electrically yenergizable means for rendering it effective, a normally open power circuit leading'tov f valve and reciprocatable to raise and lower said valve from its seat, a frame mounted above said valve, `a disc gear rotatably mounted on said frame, a crank pin etxending from said gear and a connecting rod coupling said valve rod and crank pin, a spring having one end engaging said frame and its opposite end engagingsaid gear for retrogressive movement of said gear, a stop carried by said gear, a cooperative stop carried by said frame; a motor and a train of reduction gearing connecting said motor and said gear; a pair of electro-magnets mounted on said frame in proximity to the periphery of said gear, each of said magnets having an associated stop member, an armature pivotally carried by said gear, and movable by rotation of said gear past said magnets, said armature being adapted to be shifted into engagement with either said magnet stop upon energization of its respective magnet, a spring secured to said gear and retractively engaging said armature; means carried by said gear limiting said retractive movement; a power circuit leading to said motor, said circuit including an automatic switch for closing and opening said circuit; circuit means respectively leading to said electro-magnets, and a switch selectively operaable to shunt said motor circuit through either of said magnets.

11. Valve control means, including a valve having a seat and a disc movable toward and away therefrom; a valve rod extending exterior to said valve and reciprocatable to raise and lower said valve from its seat, a frame mounted above said valve, a disc gear rotatably mounted on said frame, a crank pin extending from said gear, a connecting rod coupling said valve rod and crank pin, resilient means cooperating with said frame and said gear for retrogressive movement of said gear, said retrogressive movement being limited by seating of said valve disc, a stop carried by said gear, a cooperative stop carried by said frame for limiting progressive gear movement; a motor and a train of reduction gearing connecting said motor and said gear; a plurality of electromagnets mounted on said frame in proximity to the periphery of said gear, each of said magnets carrying an associated stop memb-er, an armature pivotally carried by said gear, and movable by rotation of said gear past said magnets, said armature being adapted to be shifted into .engagement with either said stop member upon energization of its respective magnet, a spring secured to said gear and retractively engaging said armature; means carried by said gear limiting said retractive movement, a power circuit leading to said motor, said circuit including a thermostatically controlled switch for closing and opening said circuit and a second switch, open circuit means respectively leading from said motor circuit to said electro-magnets, said second switch being selectively operable to shunt said motor circuit through said rmagnet circuits.

, l2. A device of the character described including a valve, a crank disc rotatably mounted, a crank pin projecting from said disc, a connecting rod operably connecting said pin and said valve, a spring acting on said disc, and through said .pin and rod to hold said valve in closed position, an electric motor, a train of speed reduction gearing actuatably coupling said motor and disc to turn said disc against said spring action, and progressively open and reduce opening of said valve; a plurality of stop means each at a predetermined intermediate position of movement of said disc, said stop means each having an associated electrically energizable means for rendering it eiiective; a normally open power circuit leading to said motor, means for shunting said circuit through a selected one of said energizable means,` and temperature controlled means for closing and opening said circuit.

13. A device of the character described including a valve, a rotatably mounted crank, means including a crank pin, a connecting rod operably connecting said pin and said valve, a spring acting on said crank means and through said rod to hold said valve in closed position; an electric motor, a train of speed reduction gearing coupling said motor and crank means to turn said means against said spring action, and progressively open and reduce opening of said valve; a plurality of stop means at predetermined intermediate positions of movement of said crank means, said stop means each having an associated electrically energizable means for rendering it effective, a normally open power circuit leading to said motor, means for shunting said circuit through a selected one of said energizable means, and temperature controlled means for closing and opening said circuit.

lll. Valve control means including a valve having a seat and a disc movable toward and away therefrom; a valve rod extending exterior to said valve and reciprocatable to raise and lower said valve from its seat, a frame mounted on said valve, a disc gear rotatably mounted on said frame, a crank pin extending from said gear and a connecting rod coupling said valve rod and crank pin, a spring having one end engaging said frame and its opposite end engaging said gear `for retrogressive movement of said gear; a motor and a train of reduction gearing connecting said motor and said gear; a pair of electro-magnets mounted on said frame in proximity to the periphery ,of said gear, each of said magnets having an associated stop member, an armature pivotally carried by said gear, and movable by rotation of said gear past said magnets, said armature being adapted to be shifted into engagement with either said magnet stop upon energization of its respective magnet, a spring secured to said gear and retractively engaging said armature; means carried by said gear limiting said retractive movement; a power circuit leading to said motor, said circuit including an automatic switch for closing and opening said circuit; circuit means respectively leading to said electro-magnets, and a switch selectively operable to shunt said motor circuit through either of said magnets.

CLAUDE D. ANDERSON, Jn. 

